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BJP meet begins, Ayodhya resolution to placate allies
Friday, July 18 2003 12:16 Hrs (IST)
Raipur: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) resolution on the Ayodhya issue, to be adopted at its national
executive meeting, which began on July 18, is expected to strike a delicate balance between mollifying a
restive BJP and keeping its secular National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies in good humour.
The resolution, apparently being brought under pressure from the party's Sangh Parivar associates, is
expected to reaffirm BJP's commitment to the construction of Ram Temple at the disputed site, party
sources said.
However, with a view not to offend the sensitivity of its coalition partners, the resolution is likely to
express its helplessness to introduce a bill in the absence of adequate numbers in Parliament.
The decision not to make any major shift in its stand also stems from a realisation that the Ayodhya
issue would have little impact on the coming Assembly elections in five states.
The resolution would emphasise on resolving the issue through negotiations in a cordial atmosphere
besides stressing on expediting the judicial process, the sources said.
"There would be nothing in the resolution that would offend our NDA allies," BJP general secretary
Pramod Mahajan said.
The resolution, drafted by Mahajan and other general secretary Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, would be the first
after the 1989 Palmapur one where the party decided to jump headlong into the Ram Janambhoomi
movement leading to L K Advani's Rath Yatra which saw the party being catapulted to power.
Though the BJP is apparently not happy with the critical remarks of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)
top brass against its leaders and the government, it would not be reflected in the resolution.
"The idea would be to project Ayodhya as a national issue which the Muslims are equally keen to
resolve", the sources said.
At a meeting with Sangh Parivar top brass at Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's residence on July
12, the party had agreed to consider the legislation option as demanded by VHP.
Subsequently party leaders, including Advani, had virtually ruled out the possibility of legislation due to
lack of numbers in Parliament.
The economic resolution, a resolution on women's reservation and the party president's address would
be the highlight of the first day of the three-day meet on July 18 being attended among others by
Vajpayee, Advani and over 150 members.
PTI
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